Evaluate your health insurance

With Medicare’s open enrollment just 10 days away, Putnam County Office for the Aging Director William Huestis has urged the county’s graying population to evaluate their current health and prescription plans

The government’s coordinated election period begins on Nov. 15. “This is the time to assess your current medical insurance program. Has it met your needs this year?” asked Huestis.

During the six-week open enrollment period from Nov. 15 through Dec. 31, Medicare-eligible residents can join, withdraw, or change drug and health plans. Huestis said new coverage begins on Jan. 1, 2010.

Huestis stressed that his office was “here to assist those with questions. Enroll early to make sure that benefits and prescriptions needed on New Year’s Day will be available to you.”

Huestis has assigned veteran Office for the Aging employee Lynn Hill to assist Putnam residents with questions. Hill can be reached by calling 845- 225-1034, ext. 47115.

Questions can also be answered by calling the Medicare hotline at 1-800-MEDICARE or on line at www. medicare.gov.

Huestis urged Putnam’s eligible Medicare recipients to “act now. Make that call today and don’t procrastinate.”

–Eric Gross